Handling of Multi-Access PDU Session when Inter-System Change

ABSTRACT

A method of handling multi-access (MA) Protocol data unit (PDU) session under inter-system change is proposed. An MA. PDU session uses one 3GPP access network or one non-3GPP access network at a time, or simultaneously one 3GPP access network and one non-3GPP access network. The UE and network can support Access Traffic Steering Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) functionalities to distribute traffic over 3GPP access and non-3GPP access for the established MA PDU session. Upon intersystem change from 5GS to EPS over the 3GPP access, if interworking with EPS is not supported, the MA PDU session is maintained in 5GS over the non-3GPP access type. Data traffic over of the MA PDU session over the 3GPP access type is transferred to the non-3GPP access type.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/862,755, entitled “Enhancement for Multi-Access PDU Session”, filed on Jun. 18, 2019; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/866,712, entitled “Handling of MA PDU Session When Inter-System Change”, filed on Jun. 26, 2019, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to wireless communication, and, more particularly, to method of handling of Multi-Access (MA) PDU session during inter-system change between 5G system (5GS) and 4G LTE systems.

BACKGROUND

The wireless communications network has grown exponentially over the years. A Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system offers high peak data rates, low latency, improved system capacity, and low operating cost resulting from simplified network architecture. LTE systems, also known as the 4G system, also provide seamless integration to older wireless network, such as GSM, CDMA and Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). In LTE systems, an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) includes a plurality of evolved Node-Bs (eNodeBs or eNBs) communicating with a plurality of mobile stations, referred to as user equipments (UEs). The 3^(rd) generation partner project (3GPP) network normally includes a hybrid of 2G/3G/4G systems. The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) board, has decided to focus the future NGMN activities on defining the end-to-end requirements for 5G new radio (NR) systems.

In 5G/NR, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session defines the association between the UE and the data network that provides a. PDU connectivity service. The PDU session establishment is a parallel procedure of PDN connection (bearer) procedure in 4G/LTE. Each PDU session is identified by a PDU session ID (PSI), and may include multiple QoS flows and QoS rules. Each PDU session can be established via a 5G Access Network (e.g., 3GPP radio access network (RAN), or via a non-3GPP RAN). The network/UE can initiate different PDU session procedures, e.g., PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and PDU session release. Due to new radio conditions, load balancing, or due to specific service, different handover procedures and intersystem change are used to handover a UE from a source 5G access network to a target 5G access or to a target 4G access network.

Operators are seeking ways to balance data traffic between mobile networks and non-3GPP access in a way that is transparent to users and reduces mobile network congestion. In 5GS, UEs that can be simultaneously connected to both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access (using 3GPP NAS signalling), thus the 5GS able to take advantage of these multiple accesses to improves the user experience, optimizes the traffic distribution across various accesses. Accordingly, 3GPP introduced Multi-Access Access (MA) PDU session in 5GS. A MA PDU session uses one 3GPP access network or one non-3GPP access network at a time, or simultaneously one 3GPP access network and one non-3GPP access network. In addition, the UE and network can support Access Traffic Steering Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) functionalities to distribute traffic over 3GPP access and non-3GPP access for the established MA PDU session.

However, UE behavior is undefined on how to handle the MA PDU session when inter-system changes from 5GS to EPS. A solution is sought.

SUMMARY

A method of handling multi-access (MA) Protocol data unit (PDU) session under inter-system change is proposed. An MA PDU session uses one 3GPP access network or one non-3GPP access network at a time, or simultaneously one 3GPP access network and one non-3GPP access network. The UE and network can support Access Traffic Steering Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) functionalities to distribute traffic over 3GPP access and non-3GPP access for the established MA PDU session. Upon intersystem change from 5GS to EPS over the 3GPP access, if interworking with EPS is supported, the 3GPP part of an MA PDU session is transferred to a PDN connection, and the non-3GPP part of the MA PDU session is released. The QoS flows of the MA PDU session over both 3GPP access type and non-3GPP access type are transferred to the EPS bearer contexts of the corresponding PDN connection. On the other hand, if interworking with EPS is not supported, the MA PDU session is maintained in 5GS over non-3GPP access type. Data traffic of the MA PDU session over the 3GPP access type is transferred to the non-3GPP access type.

In one embodiment, a UE performs registration in a 5G mobile communication network. The UE establishes a multi-access (MA) Protocol data unit (PDU) session in 5G system (5GS). The MA PDU session has a PDU session ID (PSI) and is established over both a first radio access technology (RAT) access type and a second RAT access type. The UE performs an inter-system change from 5GS to evolved packet system (EPS). The UE transfers the MA PDU session to a corresponding Packet Data Network (PDN) connection over the first RAT access type in EPS. The MA PDU session over the first RAT access type is transferred to the PDN connection and the MA PDU session over the second RAT access type is released.

In another embodiment, a UE performs registration in a 5G mobile communication network. The UE establishes a multi-access (MA) Protocol data unit (PDU) session in 5G system (5GS). The MA PDU session has a PDU session ID (PSI) and is established over both a first radio access technology (RAT) access type and a second RAT access type. The UE performs an inter-system change from 5GS to evolved packet system (EPS). The UE determines that the MA PDU session is not converted to a corresponding protocol data network (PDN) connection in EPS. Data traffic over the first RAT access type of the MA PDU session is then transferred to the second RAT access type in 5GS.

Other embodiments and advantages are described in the detailed description below. This summary does not purport to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like components, illustrate embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary 5G network supporting Multi-Access Protocol Data Unit (MA PDU) session management with inter-system change in accordance with one novel aspect.

FIG. 2 illustrates simplified block diagrams of a user equipment (UE) and a network entity in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of establishing a MA PDU session in 5GS after a UE is registered to the network over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access type belonging to the same PLMN.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of establishing a MA PDU session in 5GS after a UE is registered to the network over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access type belonging to different PLMNs.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of establishing a MA PDU session in 5GS when a UE is registered to one RAT access type and then registered to another RAT access type.

FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a UE supporting MPTCP functionality operates above the IP layer and/or ATSSS functionality operates below the IP layer as a data switching function.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of inter-system change from 5GS to EPS and QoS flow handling when an MA PDU session is converted to a PDN connection.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sequence flow between a UE and 5GS and EPS when a MA PDU session is converted to a PDN connection when intersystem change from 5GS to EPS in accordance with one novel aspect.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of inter-system change from 5GS to EPS and QoS flow handling when an MA PDU session is not converted to a PDN connection.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sequence flow between a UE and 5GS and EPS when a MA PDU session is not converted to a PDN connection when intersystem change from 5GS to EPS in accordance with one novel aspect.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of one method of supporting MA PDU session with intersystem change in accordance with one novel aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of another method of supporting MA PDU session with intersystem change in accordance with one novel aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary 5G network 100 supporting Multi-Access Protocol Data Unit (MA PDU) session management with inter-system change in accordance with one novel aspect. 5G new radio (NR) network 100 comprises a user equipment UE 101, a 3GPP radio access network RAN 102, a non-3GPP radio access network RAN 103, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 110, a Session Management Function (SMF) 111, an Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF) 112, a User Plane Function (UPF) 113, and a 5G core (5GC) or Evolved Packet core (EPC) data network 120. The AMF communicates with the base station, SMF and UPF for access and mobility management of wireless access devices in mobile communication network 100. The SMF is primarily responsible for interacting with the decoupled data plane, creating, updating and removing Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions and managing session context with the UPF. The N3IWF functionality interfaces to 5G core network control plane functions, responsible for routing messages outside 5G RAN.

In Access Stratum (AS) layer, RAN provides radio access for UE 101 via a radio access technology (RAT). In Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer, AMF and SMF communicate with RAN and 5GC/EPC for access and mobility management and PDU session management of wireless access devices in 5G network 100. 3GPP Radio access network RAN 102 may include base stations (gNBs or eNBs) providing radio access for UE 101 via various 3GPP RATs including 5G, 4G, and 3G/2G. Non-3GPP radio access network RAN 103 may include access points (APs) providing radio access for UE 101 via non-3GPP RAT including WiFi. UE 101 can obtain access to data network 120 through 3GPP access 102, AMF 110, SMF 111, and UPF 113. UE 101 can obtain access to data network 120 through non-3GPP access 103, N3IWF 112, AMF 110, SMF 111, and UPF 113. UE 101 may be equipped with a single radio frequency (RF) module or transceiver or multiple RF modules or transceivers for services via different RATs/CNs. UE 101 may be a smart phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a tablet, etc.

5G3 networks are packet-switched (PS) Internet Protocol (IP) networks. This means that the networks deliver all data traffic in IP packets, and provide users with Always-On IP Connectivity. When UE joins an EPS network, a Packet Data Network (PDN) address (i.e., the one that can used on the PDN) is assigned to the UE for its connection to the PDN. In 4G, EPS has defined a Default EPS Bearer to provide the IP Connectivity that is Always-On. In 5G, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. establishment procedure is a parallel procedure or a PDN connection procedure in 4G. A PDU session defines the association between the UE and the data network that provides a PDU connectivity service. Each PDU session is identified by a PDU session ID, and may include multiple QoS flows and QoS rules. In 5G network, QoS flow is the finest granularity for QoS management to enable more flexible QoS control. The concept of QoS flow in 5G is like EPS bearer in 4G.

Each PDU session can be established over a 3GPP RAN, or over a non-3GPP RAN for radio access. 5G Session management (5GSM) for PDU sessions over both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access are managed by AMF and SMF via NAS signaling. Operators are seeking ways to balance data traffic between mobile networks and non-3GPP access in a way that is transparent to users and reduces mobile network congestion. In 5GS, UEs that can be simultaneously connected to both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access (using 3GPP NAS signalling), thus the 5GS able to take advantage of these multiple accesses to improves the user experience, optimizes the traffic distribution across various accesses. Accordingly, 3GPP introduced Multi-Access (MA) PDU session in 5GS. A MA PDU session uses one 3GPP access network or one non-3GPP access network at a time, or simultaneously one 3GPP access network and one non-3GPP access network. In addition, the UE and the network can support Access Traffic Steering Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) functionalities to distribute traffic over 3GPP access and non 3GPP access for the established MA PDU session.

When a MA PDU session established in 5GS, it includes a number of QoS flows in Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer. Each QoS flow may be mapped to a corresponding EPS bearer. In addition, based on ATSSS rules, each QoS flow may use 3GPP access or non-3GPP access. When a QoS flow is added, the network can provide a QoS flow description IE to the UE, which comprises a list of QoS flow descriptions. Each QoS flow description comprises a QoS flow identifier (QFI), a QoS flow operation code, a number of QoS flow parameters, and a QoS flow parameters list. Each parameter included in the parameters list consists of a parameter identifier that identifies the corresponding parameter. One of the parameter identifiers is the EPS bearer identity (EBI), which is used to identify the EPS bearer that is mapped to or associated with the QoS flow. However, if an MA PDU session does not support interworking with EPS, then there are no associated ESM parameters, e.g., EBI, mapped EPS bearer contexts, when inter-system change from 5GS to EPS over 3GPP access.

After inter-system change from N1 (5GS) mode to S1 (4G, EPS) mode, if interworking with EPS is supported, then a PDU session in 5GS is transferred to a corresponding PDN connection in EPS, and QoS flows of the PDU session are mapped to associated EPS bearers. The default EPS bearer context includes a PDU session identity (PSI), S-NSSAI, session AMBR and one or more QoS flow descriptions received in the Protocol configuration options IE or Extended protocol configuration options IE, or the default EPS bearer context has association with the PDU session identity, the S-NSSAI, the session-AMBR and one or more QoS flow descriptions. However, UE behavior is undefined on how to handle a MA PDU session when inter-system changes from 5GS to EPS, regardless of interworking with EPS is supported or not.

In accordance with one novel aspect, if interworking with EPS is supported, and if the MA PDU session in 5GS is over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access (i.e., the MA PDU session is established and the user plane resources of the MA PDU session on both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access are successfully established), upon intersystem change from 5GS to EPS over the 3GPP access, the 3GPP part of the PDU session is transferred to the PDN connection, and the non-3GPP part of the PDU session is released. The QoS flows of the MA PDU session over both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access are transferred to the EPS bearer contexts of the corresponding PDN connection. As depicted by arrowed line 131, MA PDU session with PSI=1 in 5GS is transferred to PDN connection #1 in EPS. All the QoS flows with EBI assigned over 3GPP and non-3GPP access are transferred to the PDN connection #1 in EPS. User plane resources of the MA PDU session over non-3GPP access are released in 5GS via a PDU session release procedure, and the ATSSS rules are released. On the other hand, if interworking with EPS is not supported, and if the MA PDU session in 5GS is over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access, upon intersystem change from 5GS to EPS over the 3GPP access, the MA PDU session is maintained in 5GS over non-3GPP access, and data traffic of the MA PDU session over 3GPP access is moved to non-3GPP access in 5GS. As depicted by arrowed line 132, MA PDU session with PSI=1 in 5GS is maintained in 5GS and not transferred to any PDN connection in EPS. Optionally, through a PDU session modification procedure initiated by the network or by the UE, data traffic of the MA PDU session over 3GPP access is moved to non-3GPP access. In some steering modes, the 3GPP traffic can be moved to non-3GPP access by the UE directly, without the PDU session modification procedure.

FIG. 2 illustrates simplified block diagrams of wireless devices, e.g., a UE 201 and a network entity 211 in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Network entity 211 may be a base station and/or an AMF/SMF. Network entity 211 has an antenna 215, which transmits and receives radio signals. A radio frequency RF transceiver module 214, coupled with the antenna, receives RF signals from antenna 215, converts them to baseband signals and sends them to processor 213. RF transceiver 214 also converts received baseband signals from processor 213, converts them to RF signals, and sends out to antenna 215. Processor 213 processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules to perform features in base station 211. Memory 212 stores program instructions and data 220 to control the operations of base station 211. In the example of FIG. 2, network entity 211 also includes protocol stack 280 and a set of control functional modules and circuit 290. PDU session and PDN connection handling circuit 231 handles PDU/PDN establishment and modification procedures. QoS and EPS bearer management circuit 232 creates, modifies, and deletes QoS and EPS bearers for UE. Configuration and control circuit 233 provides different parameters to configure and control UE of related functionalities including mobility management and PDU session management, handover module 234 handles handover and inter-system change functionalities between 5GS and EPS.

Similarly, UE 201 has memory 202, a processor 203, and radio frequency (RF) transceiver module 204. RF transceiver 204 is coupled with antenna 205, receives RF signals from antenna 205, converts them to baseband signals, and sends them to processor 203. RF transceiver 204 also converts received baseband signals from processor 203, converts them to RF signals, and sends out to antenna 205. Processor 203 processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules and circuits to perform features in UE 201. Memory 202 stores data and program instructions 210 to be executed by the processor to control the operations of UE 201. Suitable processors include, by way of example, a special purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of micro-processors, one or more micro-processor associated with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), file programmable gate array (FPGA) circuits, and other type of integrated circuits (ICs), and/or state machines. A processor in associated with software may be used to implement and configure features of UE 201.

UE 201 also comprises a set of functional modules and control circuits to carry out functional tasks of UE 201. Protocol stacks 260 comprise Non-Access-Stratum (NAS) layer to communicate with an AMF/SMF/MME entity connecting to the core network, Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer for high layer configuration and control, Packet Data Convergence Protocol/Radio Link Control (PDCP/RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical (PHY) layer. System modules and circuits 270 may be implemented and configured by software, firmware, hardware, and/or combination thereof. The function modules and circuits, when executed by the processors via program instructions contained in the memory, interwork with each other to allow UE 201 to perform embodiments and functional tasks and features in the network.

In one example, system modules and circuits 270 comprise PDU session and PDN connection handling circuit 221 that performs PDU session and PDN connection establishment and modification procedures with the network, a QoS flow and EPS bearer handling circuit 222 that manages, creates, modifies, and deletes QoS flows and mapped EPS bearer contexts, a config and control circuit 223 that handles configuration and control parameters for mobility management and session management, and a handover module that handles handover and intersystem change. In one example, if interworking is supported and if the MA PDU session is over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access, upon inter-system change from 5GS to EPS over 3GPP access, the 3GPP part of the PDU session is transferred to the PDN connection, and the non-3GPP part of the PDU session is released. The QoS flows of the MA PDU session over both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access are transferred to the EPS bearer contexts of the corresponding PDN connection. In another example, if interworking is not supported and if the MA PDU session is over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access, upon inter-system change from 5GS to EPS over 3GPP access, the MA PDU session is maintained in 5GS over non-3GPP access, and data traffic of the MA PDU session over 3GPP access is moved to non-3GPP access.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of establishing a MA PDU session in 5GS after a UE is registered to the network over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access type belonging to the same PLMN. UE 301 is registered over 3GPP access type to PLMN1 through a 3GPP base station gNB 302. UE 301 is also registered over non-3GPP access type to PLMN1 through a non-3GPP access point AP 303. UE 301 establishes a MA PDU session by initiating a PDU session establishment procedure with the network over either 3GPP or non-3GPP access type. The activation of the MA PDU connectivity service refers to the establishment of user-plane resources on both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access. Since UE 301 is registered to the network over both RAT access types belonging to the same PLMN1, the MA PDU session with PSI=1 is established over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access types, and then the user-plane resources are established over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access types.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of establishing a MA PDU session in 5GS after a UE is registered to the network over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access type belonging to different PLMNs. UE 401 is registered over 3GPP access type to a first PLMN1 through a 3GPP base station gNB 402. UE 401 is also registered over non-3GPP access type to a second PLMN2 through a non-3GPP access point AP 403. UE 401 establishes a MA PDU session by initiating a PDU session establishment procedure with the network over one of the access types, e.g., 3GPP access type. For example, UE 401 sends a PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT REQUEST message to gNB 402, with a request type IE set to “MA PDU request” and with PSI=1. The user plane resource on 3GPP access is then established. Next, UE 401 sends another PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT REQUEST message to AP 403, with a request type IE set to “MA PDU request” and with the same PSI=1. The user plane resource on non-3GPP access is then established. Since UE 401 is registered to the network over both RAT access types belonging to different PLMNs, the MA PDU session with PSI=1 is first established over 3GPP access type and then established over non-3GPP access type in two separate steps.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of establishing a MA PDU session in 5GS when a UE is registered to one RAT access type and then registered to another RAT access type to the same PLMN. UE 501 is registered over 3GPP access type to a first PLMN1 through a 3GPP base station gNB 502. UE 501 is not registered over non-3GPP access type to PLMN1. UE 501 then establishes a MA PDU session by initiating a PDU session establishment procedure with the network over 3GPP access type. For example, UE 501 sends a PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT REQUEST message to gNB 502, with a request type IE set to “MA PDU request” and with PSI=1. The user plane resource on 3GPP access is then established. Later, UE 501 is registered over non-3GPP access type to the same PLMN1 through a non-3GPP access point AP 503. UE 501 sends another PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT REQUEST message to AP 503, with a request type IE set to “MA PDU request” and with the same PSI=1. The user plane resource on non-3GPP access is then established. As a result, UE 501 establishes the MA PDU session to the same PLMN1 with PSI=1 over both 3GPP access type and non-3GPP access type in two separate steps.

FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a UE supporting MPTCP functionality operates above the IP layer and/or ATSSS functionality operates below the IP layer as a data switching function. The UE and the network can support one or more of the steering functionalities for MA PDU session. The MPTCP functionality operates above the IP layer, while the ATSSS-LL functionality operates below the IP layer as a data switching function. As depicted in FIG. 6, in higher-layer, the MPTCP functionality checks the ATSSS rules, and MPTCP flows (TCP flows from apps allowed to use MPTCP) are split into subflows bound to different IP in middle-layer (e.g., IP stack) and low-layer and then steered or switched to non-3GPP access or 3GPP access. For non MPTCP flows (e.g., UDP, TCP, Ethernet flows), in low-layer, the ATSSS-LL functionality checks the ATSS rules, and splits, steers, or switches the traffic flows to non-3GPP or 3GPP access.

In an ATSSS capable UE, the ATSSS-LL requirements are as follows. For an MA PDU session of Ethernet PDU session type, the ATSSS-LL functionality is mandatory. For an MA PDU session of IPv4, IPv6, or IPv4v6 PDU session type, if the UE does not support the MPTCP functionality, the ATSSS-LL functionality is mandatory. If the UE supports the MPTCP functionality, only the active-standby steering mode of the ATSSS-LL functionality is mandatory. All other steering modes are optional. The ATSSS rules are provided by the network in 5GSM messages, e.g., in PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT ACCEPT or PDU SESSION MODIFICATION COMMAND message. The parameters of the ATSSS rules includes rule precedence that determines the order in which the ATSSS rule is evaluated in UE, traffic descriptor, application descriptor, IP descriptors, access selection descriptors, steering mode that identifies the steering mode (active-standby, smallest delay, load balancing, priority based) that should be applied for the matching traffic, and steering functionality that identifies whether the MPTCP functionality or the ATSSS-LL functionality should be applied for the matching traffic. Examples of ATSSS rules include: 1. “Traffic Descriptor: UDP, DestAddr 1.2.3.4”, “Steering Mode: Active-Standby, Active=3GPP, Standby=non-3GPP”—This rule means “steer UDP traffic with destination IP address 1.2.3.4 to the active access (3GPP), if available. If the active access is not available, use the standby access (non-3GPP)”. 2. “Traffic Descriptor: TCP, DestPort 8080”, “Steering Mode: Smallest Delay”—This rule means “steer TCP traffic with destination port 8080 to the access with the smallest delay”. The UE needs to measure the RTT over both accesses, in order to determine which access has the smallest delay. “Traffic Descriptor: Application-1”, “Steering Mode: Load-Balancing, 3GPP=20%, non-3GPP=80%”, “Steering Functionality: MPTCP”—This rule means “send 20% of the traffic of Application-1 to 3GPP access and 80% to non-3GPP access by using the MPTCP functionality”.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of inter-system change from 5GS to EPS and QoS flow handling when an MA PDU session is converted to a PDN connection. In 5GS, a UE establishes a MA PDU session with PSI=1, over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access. The MA PDU session is configured with three QoS flows and certain ATSSS rules for data traffic distribution. The granularity for ATSSS steering feature is per service data flow (SDF), not per QoS flow. The scope of SDF is independent from QoS flow. A QoS flow can include one or multiple SDFs, and an SDF can be distributed over one or multiple QoS flows. The ATSSS steering function decides which access (3GPP or non-3GPP) to send the traffic of an SDF. Upon inter-system change from 5GS to EPS, the user plane resource of the MA PDU session over 3GPP access is transferred to a corresponding PDN connection in EPS, and the user plane resource of the MA PDU session over non-3GPP access is released. All the three QoS flows of the MA PDU session are transferred to the corresponding PDN connection in EPS. The PDN connection 1 in EPS includes two EPS bearers: a default EPS bearer with EBI=1 is associated with QoS flow1 and QoS flow2, and a dedicated EPS bearer with EBI=2 is associated with QoS flow3.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sequence flow between a UE 801 and 5GS and EPS when a MA PDU session is converted to a PDN connection when intersystem change from 5GS to EPS in accordance with one novel aspect. In step 811, UE 801 registers with the 5GS network over 3GPP access type. In step 812, UE 801 registers with the 5GS network over non-3GPP access type. The registered 5GS network belong to the same PLMN. In step 821, UE 801 initiates a PDU session establishment procedure by sending a PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT REQUEST message over either access type, to establish an MA PDU session with a request type IE set to “MA PDU request” and with PSI=1. In step 822, UE 801 receives a PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT ACCEPT message from the network over a corresponding access type, which carries Access Traffic Steering Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) rule. In step 831, the MA PDU session with PSI=1 is established between UE 801 and the 5GS over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access types. The ATSSS rules provide parameters for traffic steering, switching, and splitting functionalities between the 3GPP and non-3GPP access. Note that the establishment for an MA PDU session may require multiple steps, e.g., if the UE is registered with different PLMNs over different RATS.

In step 841, an inter-system change occurs for UE 801 to handover from 5GS to EPS. When UE 801 moves from 5GS to EPS, for both idle mode and connected mode mobility, the MA PDU session is moved to a corresponding PDN connection in EPS. The SMF triggers a PDU session release procedure to release the MA PDU session over non-3GPP access in 5GS, e.g., MA PDU session's user plane resource on non-3GPP access. In step 842, the network sends a PDU SESSION RELEASE COMMAND message to UE 801, with an access type IE set to “non-3GPP” and with PSI=1. In step 843, UE 801 transmits a PDU SESSION RELEASE COMPLETE message to the network. The user plane resource on non-3GPP access of the MA PDU session is then released, and the ATSSS rules are also released. Note that the PDU session release procedure of steps 842-843 may occur after step 851. In addition, the non-3GPP access part of the MA PDU session can be released locally by the UE without performing the PDU session release procedure. In step 851, the MA PDU session over 3GPP access is converted to a PDN connection in EPS for 3GPP access. Note that QoS flows with allocated EBIs of the MA PDU session using both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access are transferred to EPS bearer contexts of the corresponding PDN connection over 3GPP access. UE and SMF remove ATSSS related contexts, e.g., ATSSS rules, and measurement assistance information.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of inter-system change from 5GS to EPS and QoS flow handling when an MA PDU session is not converted to a PDN connection. In 5GS, a UE establishes a MA PDU session with PSI=1, over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access. The MA PDU session is configured with three QoS flows and certain ATSSS rules for data traffic distribution: QoS flow1 and QoS flow2 are created for 3GPP access, QoS flow3 is created for non-3GPP access. However, the UE does not support interworking for the MA PDU session, e.g., the QoS flows of the MA PDU session are not allocated with mapping EPS bearers of a corresponding PDN connection in EPS. Upon inter-system change from 5GS to EPS, the MA PDU session is maintained in 5GS and is not transferred to any PDN connection in EPS. The UE can move the data traffic of the MA PDU session from 3GPP access to non-3GPP access based on the steering mode of the ATSSS rule. For example, if the steering mode is active-standby, then UE can steer the SDF by using the active access if available, or using the standby access if the active access is not available. If the steering mode is smallest delay, then UE can steer the SDF using the access network with the smallest RTT. If the steering mode is load balancing, then UE can steer the SDF across both 3GPP and non-3GPP access. If only one access (e.g., non-3GPP) is available, the UE steers the SDF by using the available access. The network can also move the data traffic of the MAPDU session from 3GPP access to non-3GPP access via a PDU session modification procedure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sequence flow between a UE and 5GS and EPS when a MA PDU session is not converted to a PDN connection when intersystem change from 5GS to EPS in accordance with one novel aspect. In step 1011, UE 1001 registers with the 5GS network over 3GPP access type. In step 1012, UE 1001 registers with the 5GS network over non-3GPP access type. The registered 5GS network belong to the same PLMN. In step 1021, UE 1001 initiates a PDU session establishment procedure by sending a PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT REQUEST message over either access type, to establish an MA PDU session with a request type IE set to “MA PDU request” and with PSI=1. In step 1022, UE 1001 receives a PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT ACCEPT message from the network over a corresponding access type, which carries Access Traffic Steering Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) rule. In step 1031, the MA PDU session with PSI=1 is established between UE 1001 and the 5GS over both 3GPP and non-3GPP access types. The ATSS rules provide parameters for traffic steering, switching, and splitting functionalities between the 3GPP and non-3GPP access. Note that the establishment for an MA PDU session may require multiple steps, e.g., if the UE is registered with different PLMNs over different RATS.

In step 1041, an inter-system change occurs for UE 1001 to handover from 5GS to EPS. When UE 1001 moves from 5GS to EPS, for both idle mode and connected mode mobility, the MA PDU session is maintained in 5GS over non-3GPP access. In step 1042, the network sends a PDU SESSION MODIFICATION COMMAND message to UE 1001. In step 1043, UE 1001 sends a PDU SESSION MODIFICATION COMPLETE message back to the network. Through the PDU session modification procedure, the network can modify the steering mode in the ATSSS rule so that, data traffic of the MA PDU session is moved from 3GPP access to non-3GPP access. Note that UE 1001 is capable to transfer the data traffic from 3GPP access to non-3GPP access by itself without the PDU session modification procedure, e.g., based on the steering mode in the ATSSS rule.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method of supporting MA PDU session with intersystem change in accordance with one novel aspect of the present invention. In step 1101, a UE performs registration in a 5G mobile communication network. In step 1102, the UE establishes a multi-access (MA) Protocol data unit (PDU) session in 5G system (5GS). The MA PDU session has a PDU session ID (PSI) and is established over both a first radio access technology (RAT) access type and a second RAT access type. In step 1103, the UE performs an inter-system change from 5GS to evolved packet system (EPS). In step 1104, the UE converts the MA PDU session to a corresponding Packet Data Network (PDN) connection over the first RAT access type in EPS. The MA PDU session over the first RAT access type is transferred to the PDN connection and the MA PDU session over the second RAT access type is released.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method of supporting MA PDU session with intersystem change in accordance with one novel aspect of the present invention. In step 1201, a UE performs registration in a 5G mobile communication network. In step 1202, the UE establishes a multi-access (MA) Protocol data unit (PDU) session in 5G system (5GS). The MA PDU session has a PDU session ID (PSI) and is established over both a first radio access technology (RAT) access type and a second RAT access type. In step 1203, the UE performs an inter-system change from 5GS to evolved packet system (EPS). In step 1204, the UE determines that the MA PDU session is not converted to a corresponding protocol data network (PDN) connection in EPS. Data traffic over the first RAT access type of the MA PDU session is then transferred to the second RAT access type in 5GS.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with certain specific embodiments for instructional purposes, the present invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: performing registration by a user equipment (UE) in a 5G mobile communication network; establishing a multi-access (MA) Protocol data unit (PDU) session in 5G system (5GS), wherein the MA PDU session has a PDU session ID (PSI) and is established over both a first radio access technology (RAT) access type and a second RAT access type; performing an inter-system change from 5GS to evolved packet system (EPS); and determining that the MA PDU session is not converted to a corresponding protocol data network (PDN) connection in EPS, wherein data traffic over the first RAT access type of the MA PDU session is transferred to the second RAT access type in 5GS.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein MA PDU session is modified by a network-initiated PDU session modification procedure such that the data traffic over the first RAT access type of the MA PDU session is transferred to the second RAT access type in 5GS.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the UE initiates the MA PDU session establishment by sending a PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT REQUEST message with a request type set to “MA PDU request”.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the UE receives a PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT ACCEPT message, wherein the message carries Access Traffic Steering Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) rules from the network.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the UE maintains the MA PDU session in 5GS over the second RAT access type.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the ATSSS rules are modified upon inter-system change such that data traffic over the first RAT access type of the MA PDU session is transferred to the second RAT access type.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first RAT access type is 3GPP access, and the second RAT access type is non-3GPP access.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: registering with a same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) over the first RAT access type and the second RAT access type.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: registering with a first Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) over the first RAT access type and a second PLMN over the second RAT access type.
 10. A User Equipment (UE), comprising: a registration circuit that performs registration in a 5G mobile communication network; a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session handling circuit that establishes a multi-access (MA) PDU (MA PDU) session in 5G system (5GS), wherein the MA PDU session has a PDU session ID (PSI) and is established over both a first radio access technology (RAT) access type and a second RAT access type; an inter-system handling circuit that performs an inter-system change from 5GS to evolved packet system (EPS), wherein the UE determines that the MA PDU session is not converted to a corresponding protocol data network (PDN) connection in EPS, wherein data traffic over the first RAT access type of the MA PDU session is transferred to the second RAT access type in 5GS.
 11. The UE of claim 10, wherein MA PDU session is modified by a network-initiated PDU session modification procedure such that the data traffic over the first RAT access type of the MA PDU session is transferred to the second RAT access type in 5GS.
 12. The UE of claim 10, wherein the UE initiates the MA PDU session establishment by sending a PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT REQUEST message with a request type set to “MA PDU request”.
 13. The UE of claim 12, wherein the UE receives a PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT ACCEPT message, wherein the message carries Access Traffic Steering Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) rules from the network.
 14. The UE of claim 13, wherein the UE maintains the MA PDU session in 5GS over the second RAT access type.
 15. The UE of claim 13, wherein the ATSSS rules are modified upon inter-system change such that data traffic over the first RAT access type of the MA PDU session is transferred to the second RAT access type.
 16. The UE of claim 10, wherein the first RAT access type is 3GPP access, and the second RAT access type is non-3GPP access.
 17. The UE of claim 10, wherein the UE registers with a same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) over the first RAT access type and the second RAT access type.
 18. The UE of claim 10, wherein the UE registers with a first Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) over the first RAT access type and a second PLMN over the second RAT access type. 